site.btaRepresentatives of State, Local Authorities Discuss Measures to Address Water Shortage in Worst Affected Regions

Bulgaria’s caretaker Regional Development and Public Works Minister Violeta Koritarova and Environment and Water Minister Petar Dimitrov have held meetings with the local authorities in Pleven, Shumen, and Targovishte, which have been worst affected by water shortage, Koritarova told the media on Thursday. She noted that the two ministries have been putting efforts into addressing the problem, which has been particularly acute this year.

The representatives of the State and local authorities agreed on the need for long-, medium- and short-term measures to tackle the crisis in Pleven, Shumen, Targovishte, Kocherinovo, and Kyustendil.

"We all agree that the construction of the Cherni Osam dam is the only option for normal water supply in the regions of Lovech and Pleven," Koritarova said. The Minister noted that this measure would take at least 10 years to be implemented, adding that short-term measures must be introduced to improve the water supply in the two regions. The mayors of all settlements are joining forces with the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works to replace the local water supply network and reduce water losses, which exceed 60% in the settlements.

The two ministries will monitor the volume of the dams so that the water supply can be regulated. The Ministry of Environment and Water will determine the quantities needed for normal water supply.

Environment and Water Minister Dimitrov said that Bulgaria and Europe have been affected by a significant drought, adding that it is sheer luck that this country has not experienced the "apocalyptic events" unfolding in Central and Western Europe in recent years. Speaking of the need for preventive measures, Dimitrov said that the irrigation  and drainage systems that were widely developed in the past should be put into use again instead of being neglected.

The Minister said that this year saw a 72% reduction in the average runoff at the river mouth compared to the dry 2023, with the most marked decrease seen in the Danubian Plain (82%) where Pleven and Lovech are located.

Koritarova said that the two ministers would present the Council of Ministers with a report on the measures and their costs. Most of the funding will be needed for the construction of the Cherni Osam dam. The short-term measures will be funded under the municipalities’ investment programmes so that they can be put in place in a year’s time, addressing the water shortage for domestic use in Pleven and Shumen.

Dimitrov said that he will call a meeting of the Supreme Advisory Council on Water next week to discuss water shortages across the country and their causes. Earlier in the day, caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev suggested that the Environment Minister consider convening the session to bring in additional expert advice.